Departure date: 03 Jun, 2018 (Sun) Coach Tour
Day 00
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for flight to Haneda
Day 01
Haneda – Akita
(Coach: -/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Metropolitan Akita or similar
The first destination on your tour will be the Akita Omoriyama Zoo. Known as “Milve”, this municipal zoo is home to over 600 animals of 108 species and designed to let visitors see the animals in their natural surroundings. Feeding time, or “manma time” as it is called here, is especially popular, as is the unique children’s playground surrounded by animals that children can see while playing.
Later, head to the “kitchen of Akita”, the Akita Citizen’s Market. Selling everything from seafood, meat, mountain vegetables and fruits to clothing, souvenirs and household items, there’s lots to see and buy in this casual and lively market. Try some of the locally produced food, including regional fish not available elsewhere, and experience the food culture of Akita first hand.
Day 02
Akita – Nyuto Onsen
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Nyuto Onsenkyo Taenoyu (Hot Spring) or similar
Take a stroll around the charming streets of Kakunodate this morning and soak in the atmosphere of this former castle town and samurai stronghold. Built with two distinct areas, the samurai district and merchant district, the town has not changed much since its founding in 1620. The samurai district which once housed about 80 families still has some of the best examples of samurai architecture in Japan, a few of which are open to tourists.
After lunch, we will head to Dakigaeri Gorge, one of the most beautiful valleys in the Tohoku region. Its name comes from the words “daki” (to hug) and “kaeri” (to switch) as the trekking path in the past was so narrow that people coming from opposite directions had to hug each other to pass through. An iridescent blue stream runs through the gorge, surrounded by fresh green foliage on the magnificent mountains. A short walk along the hiking trail will bring you to the impressive Mikaeri Waterfall, a hidden cascade in the forest.
Day 03
Nyuto Onsen – Appi Kogen
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: La Vista Appi Kogen (Hot Spring) or similar
Heading towards Appi Kogen, we will make a stop at Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake at a depth of 423.4m. The scenic caldera lake retains its natural and rustic atmosphere and is well known for the golden statue of Tatsuko at its western shore. This almost perfectly circular lake exudes a mysterious atmosphere as its water changes from jade green to sapphire blue depending on the depth of light.
For over 100 years, Iwachu has been the most famous and respected producer of Nanbu cast ironware known for its quality, craftsmanship and durability. Created by experts in a lengthy process requiring almost 68 steps, ironware here is made mostly by hand to ensure superior standards, and come in beautiful designs and vivid colours. Observe the production process for yourself and see how this increasingly popular ironware is made.
Enjoy an afternoon of fun at the Appi Kogen Farm. Spanning an area of 100ha, there are many facilities and activities to engage the family, such as obstacle courses, playgrounds, bicycle rentals and horse riding. When you decide to take a break from playtime, oven-fresh pizza and soft serve ice cream are available to you too.
Day 04
Appi Kogen – Oirase
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
The first stop today will be the Hakkatoge Observatory for a panoramic view of Lake Towada, the largest caldera lake on the main island of Japan. Situated at a height of 631m, the observatory is considered the best of the viewpoints in the area as it provides a clear, panoramic view of the lake, the forested cliffs of the caldera’s rim, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
Flowing along the floor of the Oirase Gorge, the Oirase River winds through a pristine forest made up of towering white cedar, Japanese beech and maple trees. Take your time to stroll through the forested paths and bask in the fresh air, lovely greens of the foliage and the clear river water as you follow the river round its bends.
Day 05
Oirase
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hoshino Resorts Oirase Keiryu Hotel (Hot Spring) or similar
Visit the Towada Art Center this morning, a contemporary art museum housing works by internationally acclaimed artists like Yayoi Kusama, created specifically for this museum. Each piece of art is incorporated into the museum’s building and seemingly on display for the world to see. Art here is not always found where you would expect it to be and often spills out into the city around it.
A favourite among FMJ customers, we will do some fruit picking this afternoon! Nothing beats eating fruit fresh from the tree and you can indulge in picking juicy, ripe cherries at one of the many fruit farms in the area.
Day 06
Oirase – Aomori
(Coach: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Hotel: Hotel Aomori or similar
Start today right with freshly caught seafood at the Hasshoku Center this morning! This giant market holds up to 60 shops selling all manner of seafood, dried goods, souvenirs and local specialties, all beautifully displayed for the customers. Enjoy dishes made with fresh fish at a variety of eateries at Kuriya Stadium, or experience selecting your seafood at the market and cooking it yourself over a charcoal grill!
A beautiful red brick warehouse and Taisho era buildings form the production centre for Hachinohe Shuzo Sake Brewery. Established in 1775, the brewery has been operated by the same family for eight generations and uses organic Aomori rice and yeast in their brewing process. Take a tour of the traditional buildings of the brewery and cap off the visit by sampling the delicious sake produced there.
Day 07
Aomori – Haneda - Singapore
(Coach: Breakfast/-/-)
Flight back to Singapore
COACH TOUR (SILVER)
Assemble date: 03 Jun, Sun (SO12746)
Flight schedule: (for suggestion only, not included in tour price)
03Jun JL 36 Singapore - Haneda
2150 / 0550*1
04Jun JL 161 Haneda - Akita
0710 / 0815
10Jun JL 140 Aomori - Haneda
0755 / 0915
10Jun JL 37 Haneda - Singapore
1130 / 1735
Tour price per person (in SGD)
Group size: 15-19 pax
Adult twin share $4,850; Adult triple share $4,750
Child twin share $4,850; Child with bed $4,550
Child no bed (Age 4 & below) $1,550
Group size: 20 pax & above
Adult twin share $4,550; triple share $4,450
Child twin share $4,550; Child with bed $4,250
Child no bed (Age 4 & below) $1,550
Tour price includes:
Hotel accommodation as stipulated in itinerary
Meals as stipulated in itinerary
Comprehensive travel insurance
Tour price excludes:
Air tickets
Airport taxes & fuel charges (Estimated, subject to change)
Visa application fee (if any)
Remarks:
The prices are subject to change upon fluctuations of currency exchange rates.
Flight schedule and the sequence of the itinerary are subject to change with or without prior notice to ensure the smooth running of the tour.
Minimum group size to confirm tour is 15 adults/children with bed.
Please refer to booking form for further terms and conditions.